The latest American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Merely a short time following the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global rivalry in the polar region. "I don't rule it out. I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything... We need Greenland very badly," he stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
